Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) kneels in prayer as the Denver Broncos lined up the winning field goal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Sunday, October 6, 2013. Denver made the field goal and defeated the Cowboys, 51-48.

Roger Staubach was at Sunday’s game. He saw one of the finest offensive performances in franchise history with his own eyes.

Now he can’t believe his ears.

The persistent criticism of Tony Romo puzzles the Cowboys legend. The idea that Romo is responsible for the 51-48 loss to Denver, the chatter that the result somehow proves Romo lacks a success gene is an argument Staubach finds foolish.

“He played one of the most sensational games I’ve ever seen,” Staubach said. “It makes no sense. Those people who blame him, I don’t know, they ought to take a look at their lives.

“I’ve been a quarterback and I know this guy is playing great football. Seeing critics blame these tough losses, especially this game, on him sends a message to me that some people will never cut him a break. I can’t believe it.

“I mean, there were 48 points created by the offense against a good team. The defense gave up 51 points. It makes no sense. This was one of the greatest performances by a quarterback in Cowboys history.”

Some will dismiss Staubach’s support as a Band of Brothers response for a successor at one of the most difficult positions in pro sports. Don’t. If he didn’t believe in Romo he would simply decline to comment.

The Hall of Famer puts Romo in the same category as Troy Aikman, Danny White and Don Meredith among the franchise’s best quarterbacks. He’s obviously part of that group as well.

“I’ve watched him play and know what he does out there,” Staubach said. “As a former quarterback, I can tell you we’re lucky to have him. He’s an outstanding NFL quarterback.

“It’s not just the statistics. His instincts are really good.”

Yes, he knows Romo’s interception in the final two minutes led to the Broncos’ winning field goal. He concedes if Romo had that play to do over again he probably would have dropped the ball off to running back DeMarco Murray instead of trying to hit tight end Gavin Escobar down the field.

But Romo did throw for a franchise-record 506 yards with five touchdown passes. As Staubach said, “I’m not sure what was wrong with our defense.”

Here’s another key point. When Staubach or Aikman made mistakes, there were players on both sides of the ball to bail them out.

That hasn’t been the case with Romo throughout much of his career. It sure wasn’t the case Sunday when the defense gave up 517 yards and 51 points.

The margin of victory for the Cowboys with Romo has been razor thin compared to the best teams of Staubach and Aikman. Mistakes are magnified on mediocre teams, shortcomings more apparent.

“I was fortunate to have great defenses,” Staubach said. “I didn’t worry as much that if I did make a mistake that, ‘Hey, it will cost us a touchdown’ or ‘We’re going to lose this game.’ The same goes for Troy.

“But with Tony, it sometimes seems as if on every single play he has to be the guy, be the hero. When you feel like you’ve got to be perfect on every play, it’s tough. He’s been in positions where he can’t afford that one mistake.

“You can’t be in that position as a quarterback. You can’t be in a position where you feel every play you make could be the difference in the game.”

Staubach spoke at a luncheon Tuesday and asked the audience of several hundred how many felt Romo was at fault for the loss to Denver. Only one man raised his hand.

But Staubach knows there is a silent — and not so silent — faction that will continue to find blame with the current Cowboys quarterback.

“This game just proves he’s going to have his naysayers no matter what,” Staubach said. “I don’t care if a guy on the radio, an analyst or a fan blames him for this loss. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

“This just shows no matter what he does, you’re still going have people who think he’s an issue or the reason they aren’t winning. You’re still going to have people figure out a way to pile on Tony Romo.”

Staubach won’t join them. He likes Romo and the offensive talent that is beginning to blossom around him. He likes this 2-3 team.

“I still believe the Cowboys can have a very good season,” Staubach said. “Tony Romo is the reason I have that hope.”

Catch David Moore and Robert Wilonsky on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310) for “Intentional Grounding” every Wednesday night from 7-8 p.m. during the regular season.

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